Today, you can opt out of cold calls by text

If you're annoyed by nuisance calls, from today, you can opt out of them by text message.

The "text-to-register" service lets you add your number to the "do not call" database of the Telephone Preference Service (TPS), which is good news (provided it works).

If you want in, all you have to do is text "TPS" with your number to 78070.

And that's it. You should get a SMS reply from the TPS, which confirms that your number has been added into their database.

It's that easy. Don't get too mad if you get a cold call shortly after you've signed-up - that's because it can take 28 days for the TPS service to become effective.

That said, it usually kicks in quite quickly and you'll notice a difference within days.

As it is illegal for businesses and organisations to make unsolicited calls if you're registered with the TPS, that means anyone who does, you can make an official complaint about.

John Mitchison, head of the TPS, said: "Rogue callers operate illegally and against the interests of ordinary people."

"Texting will make it easier for people to register their mobile numbers on the TPS, which is the only official no-call list, and help us stamp out rogue callers once and for all by giving the Information Commissioner more ammunition to prosecute these cases."